High and low flame control for gas burners



NEW. 22, 1932.

G. E. BURNS HIGHYAND Low FLAME CONTROL FOR GAS BURNERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 12, 19.3]

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9 2 l2 /0 y 4 V 1 47 /3 1 z 30 r"1 46 l o! k \I fw 2% /6 LE K I gmgnto'e Nov. 22, 1932. G. E. BURNS 1,888,449

' HIGH AND LOW FLAME CONTROL FOR GAS BURNERS Filed Oct. 12, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 3.

Nov. 22, 1932.

Fig. 5.

G. E. BURNS 1,888,449

HIGH AND Low FLAME CONTROL FOR GAS BURNERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 12. 1931 E es Nov. 22, 1 932.

e. E. BURNS HIGH AND LOW FLAME CONTROL FOR GAS BURNERS Filed Oct. 12, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ao mvwm Nov. 22, 1932. BURNS 1,888,449

HIGH AND LOW FLAME CONTROL FOR GAS BURNERS Filed Oct. 12, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheec 5 Patented Nov. 22, 1932 GORDON E. BURNS, OFTOLEDO, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE COLUMBIA BURNER 00., OF

TOLEDO, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO HIGH AND LOW FLAME CONTROL FOR GA S .BlIRNERS Application filed pct'ober 12, 1931. serial No. 568,231. I

This invention relates to a high and low flame control 'for gas burners with special reference to their use in heating plants.

The general object of the invention is to provide improved means for controlling the supply of gas to the burner in accordance with the amount'of heat required to maintain a uniform temperature; in, the room or rooms to be heated. In connection with the invent-ion, there is a comparatively large main supply orifice having a valve which is open when a high flame is required and a smaller by-pass orifice having a valve which is held open while the main valve is closed, if

only a low flame is required to maintain the desired temperature,as is the case in moderate weather. If the room temperature is such that no'heat is called for,.ofcourse the bypass valve is also closed and only the pilot iskept burning. My invention will be more particularly described inconnection with the accompanyingdrawings, in hich Figure 1 is a horizontal section through a control device constructed according to the invention, the section being taken approxi-- I mately on the line 11 of Fig. 2;

Figure 2 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

. lays; and

Figure 3 is a section taken substantially on the line 3 3 of Fig. .2; s

Figure. 4 is a section taken substantially. on.

the line 4-4 of Fig. 3, showing-particularly the device for opening the low flame valve;

Figure5 is an enlarged plan view of the motor and relays used in controlling the gas supply, the view taken substantially on the line 55 ofFig. 3;

' Figure 6 is a wiring diagram showing the thermostatic control for the motor and re- Figure 7 is av partly diagrammatic view showing a modifiedconstruction and wiring in which a solenoid is used in place of the motor.

The control device to which my invention relates comprises a casing 9 provided with an inlet 10 adapted'to be connected to the" gas main and an outlet 11 which leads to the burner. The inlet 10 leads into a chamber 12 main orifice 13 leading into a chamber 14,

whence the gas flows through the passageway 15 and chamber 16 to the outlet 11.- A valve 17 controls the flow of gas through the main orifice 13 and may be termed the high flame valve since a full flow of gas for a high flame can be obtained only when this valve is open.

The passageway 15 is restricted to the desired extent to suit the maximum desired requirement of the particular installation by an adjustable plug or valve 18. The valve 18 is mounted in a screw threaded bore 19 and after it is set the outerend of the bore is closed by a plug 20 the head of which has a ground seat. The passageway 15 in the present instance opens into a chamber 16 from which-the outlet 11 leads to the burner to be controlled. It is also desirable to provide a lateral opening 21 in the passageway 15 opposite the valve 18 in order to prevent swirling of the gas as it enters the chamber 16.

When the valve 17 is open it acts-normally .as a pressure regulator. In connection with the pressure regulator, an auxiliary casing 21 is mounted above the chamber 12 and is divided by a flexible diaphragm 22 into a lower compartment23 and an upper compartment 24. Communication between the diaphragm chamber 23 and the gas inlet chamber 12 is closed by an auxiliary diaphragm 25 there- ,between. V v v j A tubular stem 26 is secured centrally to the diaphragms 22 and 25 and extends through the valve orifice 13 and through a guide opening 27 into'the chamber 16. The stem 26 carries the valve 17 which is adapted to seat against the lower edge of the orifice l3-toiiiclose the communication between the chambers 12 and 14 and by a downward movement from its seat to efiect an opening of such communication. This movement of the valve 17 when it is functioning as a pressure regulator is determined by the pressure in the chamber 14 which communicates through a small passagewa chamber 23 beneath the diaphragm 22.

Under certain conditions however, as for example, when a high flame at the burner is 28 with the regardless of the pressure in the chamber 14, by an arm 29 secured to a rock shaft 30, said rock shaft being held in this position by a spring 31. Under the conditions hereinafter explalned, the shaft 30 is rocked in the opposite directionthrough the medium of an arm 32, so that the arm 29: disengages the valve 17 and permits it to act as a pressure regulator. The rock shaft 30 also has a connection 33 for operating an air door or damper in accordance with the rate of gas flow through the orifice 13? The structure and operation of the air damper do not constitute a part of the present invention and need not be more particularly described.

The chamber 12 also has a port 34 leading into a chamber 35, whence gas is supplied to the usual pilot. This port 34 may be opened or closed by means of a screw threaded stem 36 having at its innerend a head 37 which has a ground seat on the port 34, when closed,- and has a ground seat, when open, against the inner end of the bushing 38 in which the stem 36 is mounted.

When a moderate or low flame is required, the valve 17 is closed and a smaller flow of gas is supplied to the burner from the chamer 12 through an orifice 39 and chamber 40. The rate of flow to the burner for providing a low flame maybe fixed as desired by means of an adjustable plug or valve 41 which is mounted in a threaded bore 42 opposite the orifice 39. After the plug 41 has been adjusted to restrict the flow through the orifice 39 as desired, the outer end of the bore 42 is closed by a plug 43 which has a head with a ground seat.

The low flame supply of gas is by-passed around the high flame valve 17, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. '1. It passes from the orifice 39 downwardly 'in the chamber 40,

through the passageway 44 and valve chamber 45, when the valve 46 is open, and thence through the port 47 into the chamber 14. The valve 46, which may be'termed the low flame valve, has a stem 48 on its outlet side and this stem is provided outside of the gas conduit with a head- 49. The stem is provided with packing and an expansile coil spring 51, between the head 49 and packing 50 tendsto close the valve 46, and when the valve is opened by pressure against the outside of head 49, the s ring compresses the packing to prevent lea age of the gas. i

As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive, the operations of the valves 17 and 46 are controlled, in accordance with'the amount of heat required, through the medium of a motor 52, high flame relay 53, low flame relay 54 and a thermostat 55hav ing two switches 56 and 57. When the motor 52 is'energized, the'main control shaft 58 is driven through the medium of speed reduction gearing 59' until it completes a partial revolution. The circuit through the motor 52 is then autoll matically broken by means hereinafter de scribed and the shaft 58, when released, is returned with itscdriving mechanism to initial 'position by a spring 60. v

A disk 61 is secured to the shaft 58 and on one face-carries a pin 62 whichis connected by a link 63 to the arm 32 on thevalve control shaft 30.. When the motor is driven forwardly, the link 63 moves downwardly to rock the shaft 30, moving the arm 29 away from the valve 17 and permitting the latter to open and to function normally as a pressure regulator.

The disk 61 has a second pin 64 diametrically opposite to the pin 62 and on the opposite face of the disk. As the motor is driven forwardly, the pin 64 raises the long arm of a low flame valve lever 65 which is fulcrumed at 66 and which has a heel 67 engageable with the head 49 of the low flame valve 46 to open the latter. The free end of the-long arm of the lever 65 has a latch rack 68 adapted to be engaged by a bolt 69 which is advanced against the resistance of a spring 69 when 'the low flame relay 54 is energized, thus shaft 58 in advanced position when the high flame relay 53 is energized.

Referring to the wiring diagram in Fig. 6, the numeral 72 indicates a pilot thermostat which is adapted to-shut'ofl the gas entirely from the pilot, as well as from the main burner, in case the pilot for any reason becomes extinguished. As far asthe present invention is concerned, however, it may be assumed that the pilot is functioning normally.

When the temperature in the region of the thermostat 55 indicates that a moderate amount of heat is required, the switch 56 closes. There is then a closed circuit from the transformer 73, through line 74, switch 56, line 75, switch '76 and line 77 to the motor 52 and thence through line 78, switch 79 and line 80 to the transformer. As the motor is thus operated to rock the shaft 58, it rocks the shaft 30 through the medium of the link 63 to open the main valve 17 and insure quick and .full ignition and at the same time raises the long arm of lever 65 and opens the low flame valve 46. At this time, a lug 81 on the the low flame relay 54, which advances the bolt 69 to engage the latch rack 68 and lock the lowflame valve open, at the same time moving the bolt 69away from the pivoted arm 76, permitting switch 76 to open andv break the circuit through motor 52. This and causes the shaft 30 and arm 29 to close the mai valve 17. Thus the main .valve 17 remains open only long enough to insure full ignition. The low, flame relay-54mmains energized and the low flame valve 46 remains open until the temperature rises sufficiently to open the switch 56 and break the circuit through the relay.

If the heat furnished by the low flame is not suflicient to maintain the desired-tem-' perature, the second thermostat switch 57 closes and, although the switch 76 is open,

the circuit through the motor 52 is completed through line 74, switch 57, lines 85 and 77, to the motor and thence through line 78, switch 79 and-line'80. The shaft 58 is now advanced until a cam 86 secured thereto closes a switch 87, closing a shunt from line 77 through line '88, switch 87, line 89, high flame relay 53, andline 90 to line 80. The high flame relay, thus energized, advances the bolt 71 in opposition to spring 71 into engagement with the latch rack 70 to lock the shaft 58, leaving the high flame'valve 17 open, while at the same time pivoted arm 79 is released to permit switch 79 to open and break the circuit through the motor. Both valves 17 and 46 now remain open until such time as the thermostat switch 57 is opened to break the circuit through the high flame relay 53, thus permitting the return of shaft 30 to its initial position and closing the valve 17. The valve- 46', however, remains open until both switches 56 and 57 are open.

It is also preferred to make provisionfor Y manual control in'case the electric current the shaft 58 is in this position,

fails. For this'purpose a knob 91 is secured to the outer end of the shaft 58 and carries the cam 86. A pin 92 is carried by the knob 91 and is normally held in retracted position by a spring 93. In the manual control of the device, the shaft 58 is advanced until v. the switch 87 is closed and until the pin 92 is in position to beadvanced and interlocked with the switch 94, closing the latter. When the high-flame valve 17 is open and will remain so until it is again closedby manipulation of the knob 91 or until the electric current is restored. The moment theelectric current is restored,

the.motor circuit is completed through lines 80 and 90,"high flame relay 53, line 89, switch 87, line 88 to the motor and thence through switch 94 and line 95 back to the transformer. The energizing of the motor 52 will immediately release the pin 92 from the switch 94, permitting thelatter to open and at once restoring the thermostat control. p

In themodiiied form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 7, a solenoid 96 is substituted forthe motor 52. The core 97 of this solenoid carries across head 98. which is connected by a link 63 to the-arm 32., A modified form of lever is substituted for the which has the same function as the latch rack 68. The long-arm of the lever 65 has a bifurcated end 99 which straddles the'solenoid core 97 and rests against the cross head 9E5.v I

When the first thermostat switch 56 is closed, calling'for a small amount of heat, a circuit is closed from the transformer 73 through line 74, switch 56, line 75, switch 100, line 101, solenoid 96 and lines 102 and 80. The solenoid 96, thus energized, raises the core 97 and through the link 63 rocks the shaft 30 to open the main valve 17, at the same time, through the medium of the cross head 98, raising the long arm of the lever the same time, 9. lug 103 on the lever 65 closes'the switch 104.. This closes a shunt from line through low flame relay 54, line 105, switch 104 and line 106. The low flame relay 54, thus energized, advances the bolt 69 to engage the latch rack 68 and lock the low flame valve open, at the same time moving the bolt 69 away from the pivoted arm 7 6, permitting the switch 100 to open and break thecircuit throughthe solenoid 96. This allows the solenoid core 97 to resume its initial position and cause the shaft 30-and arm 29 to. close the main valve 17 Thus the main valve 17remains open only long enough to insure full ignition. The low flame relay54 remains energized and the low flame'valve 46,

remains open until the temperature rises sufficiently to open the switch 56 and break the circuit through the relay.

If the heat furnished by the low flame is not sufficient to maintain the desired temperature, the second thermostat switch 57 closes and, although the switch 100-is open, the circuit through the solenoid 96 is completed through line "74, switch 57,.line 85,

The high" flame relay, thus'energized, ad-

vances the. bolt 71in opposition to spring 71 into engagement underneath a shoulder 70" on the core 97 to lock the shaft 30, leaving the high flame valve 17 open while at the same time the switch 107 is opened'to break the circuit through the solenoid. Both valves 17 and 46 now remain open until such time as the thermostat switch 57 isopened to break the circuit through the high flame relay 53, thus retracting the bolt 71 and permitting the return of shaft 30 to its initial position and closing the valve 17, the arms of the yoke'99 being far enough apart to allow the shoulder 70" to passbetween them. The valve 46 remains open until both switches 56 and 57 are open.

From the foregoing description, it will be understood that, with my control device, the temperature in the space to be heated may be controlled within very narrow limits. In moderate weather, instead of running the burner with the high flame alternately off and on, a uniform temperature will be maintained by means of the low flame control. It

. which is maintained until said second thermostat switch opens. If the room becomes warm enough to open both thermostat switches, the flow of gas to the burner is entirely cut off until the first thermostat switch is again closed. Although normally,

as the first thermostat switch closes, the low flame will maintain the desired temperature for a considerable period of time, it will be understood that in first starting up the furnace upon the approach of winter or in starting up in the morning, if both thermostat switches are closed substantially at the same time, the high'flame will be at once turned on and' will remain on until the desired temperature is reached.

It will also be noted that the circuit.

through the motor or the solenoid is maintained only long enou h to open the valves, thus consuming very little electric current. The valves are then locked by the operation of the relays, which draw comparatively little current. i j While I have explained the invention in considerable detail, it is tobe understood that.

the same may be considerably modified in other ways without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a control device or-a gas burner, means for automatically establishing and maintaining a predetermined flow of gas during the existence of a predetermined range of temperature in the space to be heated, and

means for establishin and maintaining a relatively larger flow of gasduring the existence-of a lower temperature, said last mentioned means be ng also efiective toturn on temporarily the larger flow of g. s as the te perature drops into said predetermined rail ge. I,

2. In a control device for agas burner, means for supplying gas for a pilot, means flow of gas to insure in addition to the fpilot suppl for supplying either a large ow or a re atively small flow of gas, and means, operable-when a small amount of heat is required, first to turn on said large flow to insure full ignition and then automatically to drop back immediately to said relatively small flow.

3. In a control device for a gas burner, the combination with a thermostat, of means actuated by the thermostat at one temperature to supply a relatively small flow of gas, and means actuated by the thermostat at a predetermined lower temperature to supply a larger flow of gas, said last mentioned means being also effective to turnv on temporarily the larger flow of gas as the cooling thermostat reaches the first mentioned temperature.

4. In a control device for a gas burner, the combination with a thermostat, of means actuated by the thermostat at one temperature to initially turn on a large flow of gas to insure quick and full ignition and immediately thereafter to establish and maintain a elatively small flow, and means for maintaining a supply of gas for a pilot independently of said relatively small flow.

5. In a control device for a gas burner, the

combination with a thermostat, of means actuated by the thermostat at one tempera,

ture to initially turn on a large flow of gas to insure quick and full ignition and immediately thereafter to establish and maintain a relatively small flow, and means to reestablish and maintain continuously said large flow of gas when the temperature at the thermostat falls below a predetermined point.

6. In a control device for a gas burner, the combination with a thermostat provided with two switches adapted to be closed successively as the temperature'drops, of electrical means actuated by the closing of the first switch to establish and maintain a pre determined flow of gas, and means actuated by the closing of the second switch to establish and maintain a larger flow of gas.

7. In a control device for a gas burner, the combination with a thermostat provided with two switches adapted to be closed successively as the tem erature drops, of electrical means actuated by the closing of the first switch. first to turn on tempbrarily a large quick and full ignition and immediately thereafter to establish and maintain 'a smaller flow of gas, and means actuated by the closing of the second switch to reestablish and maintain the larger flow of gas. a

8. In a control device for a gas burner, the

" combination with a thermostat provided with two switches adapted to be closed successively as the temperature drops, of electrical operatmg means temporarily energized by the closing of either one or both of the thermostat switches to turn on gas for a high maintain the low flame gas supply.

9. In a control device for a gas burner, the

combination with a thermostat provided with two switches adapted to be closed successively asthe temperature drops, of electrical operating means temporarily energized by the closing of either one or both of the thermostat switches to turn on gas for a high flame,

relays controlled by the respective thermostat switches, and means actuated by the respective relays, when energized, to maintain respectivelythe low flame gas supply or the high flame'gas supply after said electrical operating means is de-ener ized.

10. In a control device or a gas burner, the combination with a thermostat provided with two switches adapted to be closed successivelyas the temperature drops, of electrical operating means temporarily energized by the closing of either one or' both of the thermostat switches to turn on gas for a high flame, means operable as long asboth thermostat switches are closed, to maintain a high flame gas supply after said electrical operating means is de-energized, and means operable as soon as onethermostat switch is closed to maintain a low flame gas supply. 11. In a control device for a as burner, a fsupply line having a main orifice, a high flame valve therefor, a by-pass having a smaller orifice, a low flame valve for said smaller orifice, means for automatically main-' taining the'low flame valve open during a predetermined range of temperature in the space to be heated, and means for automatically smaller orifice, a low maintaining the high flame valve open during the existence of a lo last mentioned means ing also effective to open the high flame valve temporarily as the temperature drops into said predetermined rangel I 1 12. In a control device-for a gas burner, a

valve therefor, a by-pass having a smaller orifice, a low flame valve for said smaller'orifice, and means, operable when a small amount of heat is required, first to open the high flame valve temporarily to insure quick full ignition and then to maintain the low flame valve open as long as any heat is required.

13. In a control device for a supply line having a, main flame valve therefor,

a gas burner, orifice, a high a by-pass having 'a flame valve for said smaller orifice, a thermostat, means actuated. by the thermostat at one temperature'to es-' tzijbli'sh and maintain the low flame valve in en position, and meansactuated by the thermostat at a predetermined lower temperature to establish and maintain the high flame smaller orifice,

smaller orifice, a thermostat, means actuated 4 er temperature,'.said

' supply line having valve in open osition, said last mentioned means being a so effective to open the high flame valve temporarily as the cooling thermostat reaches the first mentioned temperature. J 14. In a control device for a gas burner, a supply line havin a main orifice, a high flame valve theretor, a bypass having a smaller orifice, a low flame valve for said smaller orifice, a thermostat, means actuated by the thermostat at one temperature toopeii both valves to insure quick and full ignition and immediately thereafter to close the high flame valve while maintaining the low flame valve in open position until heat is no longer required. o 15. Ina control device for supply line having'a main orifice, a high flame valve therefor, a by-pass having a a low flame valve for said by the thermostat at one temperature to initially open both valves to insure quick and ublljgnition and immediately thereafter to se the high flame valve while maintaining the low flame valve open, and means to re establish and maintain continuously the high flame valve in open position when the temperature falls below a 16. In a control device for a gas burner, a supply line having a main orifice, a high flame valve therefor, a by-pass having 'a smaller orifice, a low flame valve for said smaller orifice, a thermostat 1 provided with two switches adapted to be closed successively as the temperature drops, electrical means actuated by the closing of the first switch to estab-' lish and maintainthe low flame valve in 0 en position, and means actuated by the closing of the secondswitch to establish and maintain the high flame valve in open position.

17. In a control device for a gas burner, a supply linehaving a main orifice, a high flame valve therefor, a by-pass having a smaller orifice, a low flame valve for said smaller ori-J fice, a thermostat provided with two switches adapted to be closed successively as the temperature drops, electrical means actuated b a the closing of the first switch to open bot valves to insure quick and full ignition and immediately. thereafter to close the high flame'valve while maintaining the low flame valve open,

a gas burner, a

predetermined point. a

and means actuated by the closmaintain t, tion.

18. In a control device for a e high flame .valvein open posias burner, a a. main onfice, a high smaller orifice, a low flame valve for said smaller orifice, a thermostat provided with two switches adapted to be closed suceess'ive 1y asthe temperature drops, electrical operating ineans temporarily energized by the closing of. one or both of the thermostat smaller orifice,

. supply line havin switches. to turn on both valves, a low flame relay having a circuit which is maintained when th first thermostat switch is closed, and locking means held by the lowjflame re- 'lay, when energized, to maintain the low flame valve open.

19. In a control device for a gas burner, a supply line havin a'main' orifice, a high flame valve therei or, a by-pass having a smaller orifice, a low flame valve for said smaller orifice, a thermostat provided with 'two'switches adapted to be closed successivevalve open after said electrical operating 7 signed my name means is tie-energized.

20. In a control device for a gas burner, a a main orifice, a high flame valve there or, a by-pass having a a low flame valve for said smaller orifice, a thermostat provided with two switches adapted to be closed successively as the temperature drops, electrical operating means temporarily energized by the closing ofone or both of the thermostat switches to turn on both valves,

means automatically operable, as soon as both thermostat switches are closed to hold the high flame ,valve open after said electrical operatin means is de- 36 energized, and means automatically operable as soon as one thermostat switch is closed, to hold the low flame valve open.

21. In a control device for a gas burner, a" thermostat provided with two switches 40 adapted to be closed successively as the-temfor maintaining said high perature drops, electrical operating means energized when both of said switches are istence of a lower temperature, said last men-V tioned means being also effective to turn on temporarily the larger flow of "as as the temperature drops into said predetermined range, and means for adjustably predetermining the rate of said small flow.

24.- In a control device for gasburners, a supply line having a main orifice, a high flame valve therefor, a by-pass having a small orifice, a lowflame valve for said smaller orifice, means for automatically establishing and maintaining eithpr valve in open position, depending upon the amount of heat required in the space to be heated, means associated with the first mentioned means to temporarily open the high flame valve when heat is first demanded, and means for adjustably restricting the flow of gas to said smaller orifice. 1

In testimony whereof I have hereunto to this specification. GORDON E. BURNS.

closed, to turn on gas for a hi h flame, means ame until one of,said switches opens and for subsequent- 11o 1y maintaining a lower flame until both switches are open or both switches closed. 22. In a control device for gas burners, means for I automatically establishing and maintaining either a large flow of gas to the 'burner on: relatively small flow, depending upon the amount of heat required to main P 'tain the desired temperature, means associated with the first, mentioned means to temporarily turn on the larger flow of gas when,

heat is first demanded, and means for adjustably predetermining the rate of said small ow. r

23. In a control device 'for gas burners, means for automatically establishing and maintaining arelatively small flow of gas during the existence of a predetermined range of temperature in the-space to be heated, means for establishing and maintaining a relatively large flow of gas during the ex- 

